Retaining device



O t- 1944- 1. STEINHARDT I 2,361,069

RETAINING- DEVICE Filed Nov. 4, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. ,vz haw/v9 \STEINHARDT ATTOP'VEY Oct I944- l. STE INHAR DT ,06

RETAINING DEVICE Filed Nov. 4, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. [12 w/vq 5 rem/1,4120 r A TTORNEY.

Patentedroct. 24, 1944 RETAINING DEVICE Irving Steinhardt, New York, N. Y.

Application November 4, 1941, Serial No. 417,749

13 Claims.

This invention relates to retaining devices and more particularly to devices intended for use as key rings or the like and also adapted to' numerous other uses.

One object of the invention is to provide a device of the class described formed of parts which can be easily assembled and held in as-' sembled relation by the interengagement of the parts, separate fastening means for holding the parts in assembled relation being unnecessary.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of theclassdescribed which can be used in various ways .and which by reason of its construction is also ornamental.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be explained more in detail in the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a device embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the device showing the parts in open position;

Fig. 2A is a side view showing the manner of assembling the device;

Figs. 3 and 4 are top and bottom views, respectively, of one of the parts;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 55 of Fig. 3; I

Fig. 6 is a side view of one end portion of one of the parts;

Fig. 6A is a side view of'the other end portion of one of the parts;

Figs. 7 and 7A are views of said end portions, respectively, as viewed along the lines 1-! and IA'!A, respectively, of Figs. 6 and 6A;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a locking member andone of the end portions of one of the parts of the device;

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view on the line I 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are views similar to Figs. 5, 6 and '7 illustrating a modification of the invention, the view of Fig. 12 being taken along the line I2I2 of Fig. 11.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the device embodying the present invention is illustrated in a form intended for use as a key ring and comprises, as here shown, parts I0 and I2 which for convenience in reference may be designated as looped and yoke members, respectively. Said members In and I2 can be formed of any suitable material; for example, metal, plastic, Wood, etc. and it will be understood that both members can be of the same 'r'naterijal or one member can be made of one material and the other member can be made of another material. Preferably, said members It] and I2 are made of a plastic, for example, Bakelite," or any'other suitable plastic of which there are many different types available on the market. As here shown, looped member ID simulates a horseshoe in appearance and by reason of its shape is resilient, the end portions I4 and I6 of'said member being movable toward each other when ap-' There is here shown an integral cross piece 22 which extends transversely ofmember I2 substantially centrally thereof between said openings I8 and 20.

The end portions I4 and I6 have out-turned parts 24 and 26 which, in the position of parts HI and I2 illustrated in Fig. 1, engage the transversely extending wall portions 28 and 30, respectively, formed adjacent the bottom of yoke member I2 internally thereof adjacent openings I8 and 20, respectively. Opening I8 is narrower than opening 20 and is provided with narrow wall portions 32 at opposite sides of opening I8 and continuous with wall portion 28, and the outturned part 24 of end portion I4 is provided'with lateral projections 34 at theopposite sides thereof (Figs. 6 and 7). Each of said projections has an inclined surface 36 which is adapted to engage the adjacent w-all portion 32 which as illustrated in Fig. 5 are inclined upwardly-toward the top of yoke member I2. When members It and I2 are in the relative positions illustrated'in Fig. 1 the upper edges 38 and 40 of end portions I4 and It, respectively, engage wall portions 28 and 3-0, respectively, thus preventing upward -movemerit of looped member I0 in relationto yoke member I2. When, however, pressureis' applied to looped member It) for moving .endpor'tion Ifi' toward end portion I l of said member the outturned end part 25 of said end portioii 'IB can be moved clear of the inner edge All .ofwall por tion 36 thus to permit end portion lrfi'toi be .disengaged from yoke I2 and moved upwardly through opening 20 to the position illustrated :in Fig. 2. It will be noted that it" is not .possible to similarly disengage end portion I4 from the yoke member and that, onthecontrary, parts 34 and more particularly shoulders 36 thereof engage wall portions 32 in the position of the parts illustrated in Fig. 2, thus limiting the relative movement of looped member H) and yoke member l2. Thus, it will be observed that end portion 14 provides a pivotal connection between looped member .10 and yoke member I2, said looped member being thus s wingably connected to the yoke member.

As illustrated in Figs. 10 to 12, instead of forming end portion M of looped member with enlargements 34 of the character described above,

said end portion can be formed with nibs Ma and the yoke member indicated at l2a in Fig. 10, which yoke member is otherwiseof the same conis provided with wall portions 32a corresponding is moved through and completely separated from said yoke member. In the position of the parts I0 and I2 just prior to their complete separation, looped member I0 is located below yoke member l2, with end portion 16 in opening it and end portion M in engagement with side 48 of the yoke member adjacent opening 20. This position of the parts and I2 is illustrated in Fig. 2A. It will now be understood that for assembling looped member ID with yoke member I2 from their completely separated condition end portion 16 is inserted through opening l8 from the bottom of yoke member 12 to bring about the struction as the yoke member 12 described above,

position illustrated in Fig. 2A, after which said loopedmember is turned in a clockwise direction, viewing Fig. 2A, to the position illustrated in Fig, 2. after which by applying pressure to to wall portions 32 but ofless length than the latter and each having a rounded surface portiong end portion i l with the upper surface portion 35 l of said end portions with wall portions 28 and 3H.

End portion it of looped member I0 is notprovided with lateral, enlargements but is ofthe same thickness as the body portionof said looped member. More specifically, looped member ID is preferably of uniform thickness except at the outturned end portion 240i end portion I4 which, as-described above, is provided with the lateral projections Y or enlargements 34. Accordingly, while out-turned end portion 24 cannot pass through opening l8, the rest of said looped member can be passed through said opening [S and further all of said looped member except part 24 can pass through opening 20. The purpose of this construction is to enable parts In and I2 to be assembled and arranged in the position illustrated in Fig. 1. c The manner of assembling the parts will be clearly understood after it is first explained, by reference to Fig.2, how looped member ID can be completely separated from yoke member l2. s This is accomplished by moving the end portion l4 downwardly of yoke member l2 and out through the bottom of saidyoke member, and to facilitate this, said looped member is flexed laterally and rearwardly (viewing. Fig. 2) so that end portion 16 is clear of theside 46 of said yoke member after which continued turning movement of said looped member in a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Fig, 2, brings end portion IB'in registry with and'above opening l8,- and upon continued movement of looped member-i0 in said direction said endportion I6 the looped member end portion 16 can be passed through opening for positioning parts l0 and I 2 as illustrated in Fig. 1.

The device as "thus far described can, if desired, constitute-the complete device, and as thus constituted said device comprises the yoke member l2 and looped member ID which in the position of said members illustrated in Fig. 1 forms a peripherally continuous structur having an opening 54 therein defined by said members. By'

disengaging end portion 16 from yoke member l2 while leaving end portion 14 in engagement with said yoke member, as illustrated in Fig. 2, keys orother articles can be engaged on looped member [0 inwardly of end portion l6, said looped member ID passing through the usual openings in said keys or other articles provided with openings. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 2 members 10 and I2 are relatively movable to provide an opening in the periphery of the structure forming a passagebetween end 26 of loop l6 and the adjacent end of yoke l2 into the main opening indicated at 54, which as hereinbefore indicated is defined by the inner edge 58 of looped member i0 and by the upper surfaceof yoke member [2. It will be understood that the structure constituted by members In and I2, can be used for purposes other than a ke ring or other retaining device. For example, a series of structures each constituted by said looped and yoke members can be interlinked to form an ornamental chain or similar device of any desired length, de-

pending upon the' number and size of said interlinked structures. Also, if desired, one of said structurescan be attached to a chain and suspended therefrom as an ornament. example of another use, a pin can be attached to member ID and the device used as an ornamental device or for supporting an ornament from member l2. It will be understood that the uses for. the'device are not limited to those just described but, on the contrary, said device can be used in various other ways and for various other purposes.

In accordance withthe preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated herein the device hereinbefcre described is provided with means for locking members Iii and I2 in the closed relation thereof illustrated in Fig. 1. For this purpose there is provided a locking member 60 which in the position illustrated in Fig. l engages looped member ID at; the open end thereof and extends across said open end between end portions l4 and IE to prevent relative movement of said end portions toward each other thus to prevent disengagement of end portion Hi from yoke member l2. Locking member .60 is provided with By way of small protuberances 62 at its opposite ends which snap into small companion recesses 64 in end portions 14 and I6 for more securely holding the ends of member 60 in engagement'with the end portions l4 and I6 of loo'ped member Hi. When looking member 60 is in its locking position, illustrated in Fig. 1, a part 66 thereof of reduced width is received within yoke member I2 and a recess 68 formed in said locking'member centrally thereof receives cross piece 22 of. said yoke. Said recess 68, in conjunction with the curved formation or said locking member 60 iacilitates flexing of said locking member for em gaging the opposite ends thereof resiliently with the end portions M and 16 of looped member Ill. The thicker end portion 10 of member 6|] provides finger piece at both sides of said locking member to facilitate movement thereof tothe releasing position illustrated in Fig. 2, and to im prove this action said wider portion 10 preferably extends outwardly somewhat beyond the adjacent sides 46 and 48 of yoke member l2.

As illustrated in Fig. 1 the device is provided with means for facilitating handling thereof or for the attachment thereto of ornamental means. In either case whether for the purpose of facilitating handling or for ornamental purposes, said means, in the form here shown, comprises a cord 12 which is looped to locking member 60 for which purpose said locking member is provided with spaced holes M therethrough, the ends of said cord 12 being fastened together by a connector l8. As here shown, a ball or other ornamental lement 18 is attached to connector 76 by several chain links 80. The upper part of looking member 60 is provided with a groove 82 extending between holes 14 for receiving the looped end 84 of cord 12. It will be understood that when locking member 60 is omitted and when it is desired to use a handle or ornamental means such as that just described, the cord 12 can be attached to the cross piece 22, being looped around said cross piece and passing through the recesses 86 formed, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, as continuation of openings I8 and 20.

While I have shown and described the pr..- ferred embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that the latter 'may be embodied otherwise than as herein shown or described and that in the illustrated embodiment various changes may be made. Therefore I do not wish to be limited to the construction as herein shown or described, except to the extent which may be free ends extending away from each other and movably positioned in direct engagement with the opposite ends, respectively, of said yoke member, at least one of said outeturned ends of said looped member being disengageable from said yoke member and movable to a'position spaced therefrom, while the other end portion of said out-turned ends of said looped member is enproviding a passage to and from said first mentioned opening, all of said looped member except said other out-turned end being movable through the opening in which said other end portion is received, for assembling and disassembling said looped member and said yoke member.

2. A device of the class described comprising a looped resilient member having spaced end portions movable toward and away fromeach other, a one-piece yoke member having openings in which said end portions are received, respectively, said yoke member forming with said looped member a peripherally continuous structure defining an opening therein, said end portions of said looped member having out-turned free ends extending away from each other and movably positioned in direct engagement with the opposite ends, respectively, of said yoke member, at least one of said out-turned ends of said looped member being disengageable from said yoke member and movable to a position spaced therefrom, while the other of said out-turned ends of said looped member is engaged with said yoke member, whereby to form an opening in the periphery of the structure for providing a passage to and from said first mentioned opening.

3. A device of the class described comprising a looped resilient member having spaced end portions movable toward and away from each other, a one-piece yoke member having openings in which said end portions are received, respectively, said yoke member forming with said looped member-a peripherally continuous structure defining an opening therein, said end portions of said looped member having out-turned free .ends extending away from each other and movably positioned in direct engagement with the opposite ends, respectively, of said yoke member, at least one of said out-turned ends of said looped member being disengageable from said gaged with said yoke member, whereby to form an opening in the periphery of the structure for yoke member and movable to a position spaced therefrom, while the other of said out-turned ends of said looped member is engaged with said yoke member, whereby to form an opening in the periphery of the structure for providing a passage to and from said first mentioned opening, and interengaging means on said yoke member and said other end portion of the looped member for preventing unintended disengagement of the latter from said yoke member, all of said looped member except said other out-turned end being movable through the openings insaid yoke member for assembling and disassembling said looped member and said yoke member.

4. A device of the class described comprising a looped member having relatively movable and portions, and a yoke member having openings in which said end portions are received, respectively, and forming with said looped member a peripherally continuous structure, said openings of said yoke member and said end portions of said looped member being 50 shaped and related to each other that only one of said end portions can pass through said openings and so that all of said looped member except said one end portion can pass through said openings for assembling said looped member with said yoke member, said one end portion having a part which is larger than either of said openings and is thereby prevented from passing through either of said openings, said other end portion being disengageable from said yoke member to form an opening in the periphery of said structure, said one of the end portions of said looped member having a transverse projection extending in the direction between' said side portions oithe yokemember and engaging theadjacent end of said yoke mem, ber to limit movement of said end of the yoke toward the end of said one of the end portions ofthe looped memben, a V 5. A device of the class described comprising a looped member having relatively movable end portions, and a yoke member having openings in which said end portions are received, respectively, andlforming withsaid looped member a peripherally continuous structure, said openings of said yoke member and said end portions of said looped member being so shaped and related to said openings that only one of said end portions can pass through said openings and so that all of saidlooped member except said one end portion can pass through said openings for assembling said looped member with. said yoke member, said one end portion havingv a part, which is larger than either; of said openings and I is thereby prevented from passing through either of said openings, said other end portion being disengageable from said yoke member to form an opening in the periphery of said structure, said one of the end portions of said looped member having a transverse projection extending in the direction between said side portions of the yoke member and engaging the adjacent end of said yoke member to limitmovement of saidend of the yoke toward the end of said one of the end portions of the looped member, said other end portion of the looped member, having a resilient releasable engagement with said yoke member in the companion opening of the latter. 6, A device of the clas described comprising, a looped -member having relatively movable end portions, and a yoke member having openings in which said end portions are received, respectively, and forming with said looped member a peripherally continuous structure, said openings 40 member, said one end portion having a part which is larger than either of said openings and is thereby prevented from passing through either of said openings, said other end portion being disengageable from said yoke member to form an opening in the periphery of said structure, said one of the end portions of said looped memthe direction between said side portions of the yoke member and engaging the adjacent end of said yoke member to limit movement of said end of the yoke toward the end of said one of the end portions of the looped member, said yoke member having a cross piece between said openings.

'7. A device of the classdescribed comprising a looped member having relatively movable end portions, and a yoke memberhaving openings in which said end portions are received, respectively, and forming with said looped' member a peripherally continuous structure, said openings of said yoke member and said end portions of said looped member being so shaped and related to each other that only one of said end portions can pass through said openings, said last mentioned end portion being disengageablefrom said yoke member to form an opening in the periphery of said structure, said yoke member having a cross piece between said openings, a cord looped aroundsaid. cross piece, and a locking member, attached ,to said .cord and releasably, engageable with, said end portions for releasably preventing disengagement of said .la stmentioned end portion from said yoke member.

8. A device of the ,class described comprisinga looped member having relatively movable end portions, and a yoke. member having openings in which said end portions are received, respectively, and forming withsaid looped member a peripherally continuous structure, one of said openings being narrower than the other and one of said end portions being dimensioned to prevent it from passing through said narrower opening, the other ofsaid end portions and the rest of saidlooped memberexcept said one of the endrportions being movable through said narrower opening for assembling said members, said dimensional relationship between, said narrower opening and said one of the end portions preventing unintended separation of said members said end portions of said looped member having out-turned free ends extending away from each other and movably positioned in direct engagement with the opposite ends, respectivelyg of said yoke member.

9. A device of the class described comprising a looped member open at one end thereof and terminating at, said open end in spaced relatively movable end portions, and a member engaging said end portions and extending across said open end, said member having recesses in which said end portions, respectively, are received one of said end portions having lateral projections at opposite sides thereof extending in a direction transverse to the line across the open end of said looped member and received in one of said recesses, in said last, mentioned member and engaging portionsthereof for providing a pivotal engagement therewith. and the other of said end portions having a releasable ngagement with said last'mentionedmember, said yoke member having an opening through which all of said looped member. except said one end portion ber having a transverse projection extending in 5 of said looped member.

thereof is movable in either of two directions for assembling and disassembling said members, said lateral projections. limiting the movement of said yoke member in one direction through said opening.

10. A' device of the class described comprising a looped member open atone end thereof and terminating at said open end in'spaced relatively movable end portions, and a member engaging said end portions and extending across said open end, one of said end portions having lateral projections at opposite .sides thereof received in said last mentioned member and engaging portions thereof for providing a pivotal engagement therewith, said projections having inclined surfaces which abut, said portions of said last mentioned member for limiting the pivotal movement 11. ,A device of the class described comprising a looped member open: atone end thereof and terminating at said open end in spaced relatively movable end portions, and a member engaging saidend portions and extending across said open which all of said looped member except said one end portion thereof is movable in either of two directions for assembling and disassembling said members, said nibs limiting the movement of.

said yoke member in one direction through said opening.

12. A device of the class described comprising a looped member open at one end thereof and terminating at said open end in spaced relatively movable end portions, said end portions having out-turned parts extending away from each other and a yoke member engaging said end portions and extending across said open end of the looped member, said end portions projecting into said last mentioned member, said out-turned parts being constructed and arranged to releasably prevent withdrawal of said end portions from said last mentioned member, said yoke member having an opening through which all of said looped member except one of said out-turned parts is movable in either of two directions for assembling and disassembling said members, said one out-turned part being dimensioned in relation to said opening so as to limit movement of said looped member in one direction through said opening.

13. A device of the class described comprising a looped member open at one end thereof andterminating in end portions which are inclined connecting said side portions and directly engaged by said end portions, respectively, of said looped member, both of said end portions of said looped member being releasable from said yoke member and one of said end portions of said looped member having a pivotal engagement with .the adjacent end of said yok'e member between said side portions thereof about an axis extend ing between said side portions, said one of the end portions of said looped member having a transverse projection extending in the direction between said side portions of the yoke memberand engaging the adjacent end of said yoke member to limit movement of said end of the yoke toward the end of said one of the end portions of the looped member, said other end portion of the looped member when engaged with said yoke member releasably preventing said pivotal movement of said looped member.

IRVING STEINI-IARDT. 

